A few days had passed, and Zinnia pushed through the dense undergrowth with urgency, her movements quick and desperate. Dawn followed closely behind, her eyes darting around nervously. In Zinnia's arms, May lay limp and unconscious, her complexion alarmingly pale. Every now and then, Janine groaned in distress, her eyes fixated on her dying sister.
"Janine...?" Dawn glanced back, worry etched on her face.
"Look at her!" Janine gasped, eyes wide with fear as she glanced at May.
"I know..." Dawn replied, her voice tight with anxiety.
"We're making good time…" Zinnia insisted, though the doubt in her eyes betrayed her.
"Not enough...! By your estimate, she only has a few hours left...!" Dawn's voice broke with urgency.
"I know..!" Zinnia snapped, frustration evident.
"We can't make it like this...she's going to..." Dawn's voice trembled.
"I know!" Zinnia shouted, her voice filled with a mix of fear and determination. Pikachu, sensing the tension, lowered his ears in worry. Suddenly, a large shadow passed overhead, causing Dawn to look up in alarm.
"Huh?!" she exclaimed, her eyes widening in recognition. Above them, Clair rode her Salamence, descending swiftly. Dawn's heart sank. "Oh no..."
"This complicates things..." Zinnia muttered, her grip tightening around May. Pikachu growled, electricity sparking from his cheeks in response to the imminent threat. As Salamence landed with a thud in front of them, Dawn took a step back, gulping nervously.
"Hand over the girl," Clair commanded, her voice cold and unyielding.
"Fat chance!" Zinnia retorted, her stance defiant.
"You don't really have a choice in the matter," Clair said with a smirk. "Salamence." In response, Salamence unleashed a Flamethrower, setting the surrounding trees ablaze. Janine cried out and dropped to the ground to avoid the flames.
"Glaceon, use Ice Beam!" Dawn shouted, and Glaceon responded, firing a beam of ice at Salamence. Salamence countered with another Flamethrower, overpowering the Ice Beam. Glaceon gasped in surprise. Calmly walking through the flames, Clair approached Zinnia and May.
"Not this time," Zinnia growled, lunging forward with a Thunder Punch. Clair countered with an Ice Punch, the impact sending Zinnia staggering back. Zinnia hissed in pain, the months of captivity taking their toll.
"You picked the wrong side," Clair taunted, forcing Zinnia back further.
"We are supposed to be the good guys..!" Zinnia shouted, desperation in her voice.
"It's all about survival, sweetie. History is written by the winners," Clair replied coolly.
"She's dying..! If we don't hurry-"
"Then we'll study the corpse," Clair interrupted, her smirk widening.
"Idiot..! Iris must want her alive..!" Zinnia protested, her voice trembling with urgency.
"Sure, but I think she'll understand," Clair said with a cruel smile.
"You don't know her..!" Summoning all her strength, Zinnia channeled her Dragon Force into a powerful Fusion Bolt. Clair's eyes widened in shock as she jumped back, summoning a Blizzard for cover. Zinnia screamed as she unleashed the Fusion Bolt, the attack overpowering Clair and hitting her hard. Exhausted, Zinnia fell to the ground, barely conscious. "Run..!" she gasped out.
"Like heck!" Janine yelled, rushing forward to strike Clair. Dawn followed her lead, helping Zinnia and May up. Zinnia slumped in her arms, losing consciousness.
"Hang in there...!" Dawn pleaded, but Zinnia was already out cold. "No...!" Dawn cried, struggling to keep both Zinnia and May from collapsing completely. Salamence's tail struck Dawn, sending her crashing to the ground. The dragon grabbed May in his jaws, lifting her effortlessly. "May...!" Dawn screamed, desperation in her voice.
"Let my sister go-" Janine charged, but Clair blasted them with another Blizzard, sending Janine sprawling to the ground, covered in snow. Ariados tried to hold Salamence back with a Spider Web, but Clair mounted her dragon.
"Salamence!" she commanded. Salamence fired a Dragon Pulse, knocking Ariados down before taking off into the sky.
"N-NO..!" Janine shivered, watching helplessly as they flew away.
"May...!" Dawn's voice broke with anguish as Glaceon fired an Ice Beam, but Salamence dodged, disappearing into the clouds. Pikachu's ears drooped, reflecting the team's collective despair. "This is not good…" Dawn whispered, tears welling in her eyes as she watched May vanish into the sky. Suddenly, Ash and Gary ran over from a distance, Ash's voice echoing with desperation.
"MAY!" Pikachu turned in surprise, ears perking up as Dawn's head snapped up.
"Ash...?!" Ash, followed closely by Gary, skidded to a halt, panting heavily.
"What happened?!"
"We got attacked..." Pikachu responded, still reeling from the encounter. Ash's eyes darted around frantically.
"Where is she!?"
"...Clair took her..." Dawn's face fell as she met his gaze.
"WHAT!?" Ash's voice cracked with horror.
"She talked about Iris wanting her...we were overpowered..." Pikachu added. Ash's legs gave out, and he collapsed to the ground, hitting the dirt hard, his breath ragged and labored.
"And we only had a few hours left..." Dawn's voice was barely above a whisper, filled with sorrow.
"...Then May is..." Gary's expression turned grim. Pikachu's ears drooped, mirroring the team's despair. Ash's fists clenched, his voice a mix of rage and hopelessness.
"WHAT'S YOUR PROBLEM!?"
"Ash-" Gary was about to speak, but before anyone could react, Ash swung at Gary, his fist connecting with a solid thud. "Ack!" Gary stumbled back, holding his jaw. Dawn gasped in shock, her hand flying to her mouth.
"Ash, no!"
"I DON'T WANT TO HEAR IT! MY WIFE IS GOING TO DIE WITHOUT HELP!" Ash's eyes were wild with grief.
"Ash, calm down..." Gary rubbed his jaw, wincing.
"Ash, we...there just isn't time..." Dawn's voice trembled. Zinnia lay motionless nearby, a stark reminder of their dire situation. Dawn looked at her, her heart heavy. "Without Zinnia, we don't even have an idea where they are..." Ash let out a wail of anguish, the sound ripping through the forest. Pikachu flinched at the raw emotion, and even Glaceon teared up, reflecting the gravity of their loss. Ash's sobs filled the air, his body shaking with each cry. Pikachu moved closer, nuzzling his cheek in a futile attempt to offer comfort.
"Ash…"
"Oh, Ash..." Dawn whispered, tears streaming down her face. The team was engulfed in a wave of sorrow, the weight of their failure pressing down on them. May's fate hung in the balance, and the hope that had once driven them felt distant and unreachable.
Meanwhile, Salamence landed with a powerful thud, dropping May's limp body at Iris's feet. Clair dismounted, her expression smug.
"As promised."
"Excellent." Iris's eyes gleamed with satisfaction. Clair glanced at May, pity flickering briefly in her eyes.
"Though little Zinnia claims she's dying. And her Dragon Force is lighting up more than a star, so I'd recommend doing whatever it is you're going to do quickly," she informed the Queen, but Iris dismissed the concern with a wave.
"A problem easily remedied." She stepped forward, her gaze fixed on May's cold and stiff form. Iris carefully picked May up, feeling the faintest pulse of her remaining energy. Rayquaza, sensing the change in the atmosphere, stirred and addressed Iris.
"Seems Kyurem's Dragon Force has changed even more than I realized..."
"Indeed..." Iris murmured, her eyes narrowing thoughtfully. Rayquaza extended some of his dormant power towards Iris.
"Use this." Iris accepted it with a nod, though her confidence remained unshaken.
"Thank you, Father." She gently stroked May's cheek, focusing her energy. Gradually, May's breath became steadier, her color returning slowly to her skin. Rayquaza observed closely.
"Interesting... even with that, her Dragon Force has been changed dramatically from what I sensed before."
"Hmph," Iris responded, a hint of frustration in her voice.
"I'll be curious to question her knowledge of Kyurem..." Rayquaza's curiosity was piqued.
"We will, Father. We will," Iris assured him.
"Then let us return to Dragon Spiral Tower..." Rayquaza gave a solemn nod. Iris agreed with a nod, her mind already turning to the next steps. Clair, sensing the end of her immediate task, spoke up.
"What about Zinnia and the others?"
"Wanted dead or alive." Iris's eyes hardened.
"As you wish." Clair nodded.
"Good." Iris's tone left no room for doubt or hesitation. As Salamence took off with Clair, Iris looked down at May, watching her breathing stabilize. A dark smile spreading across her face. The girl would live, but her power—and her secrets—would soon belong to Iris.
Hours later, Ash paced frantically, his steps agitated and restless. The team knew they had no idea what to do or where to go without Zinnia, but waiting for her to regain consciousness turned every minute into an agonizing eternity. Pikachu watched him sadly, his large eyes full of concern. Dawn, focused on treating Zinnia, glanced up occasionally, worry etched on her face. Gary stood nearby, looking up at the sky, trying to track the time.
"Damn it!" Ash shouted, the frustration and fear evident in his voice.
"Ash..." Pikachu's ears drooped. Ash's fist slammed into a nearby tree, the impact echoing through the silent forest. Dawn flinched at the sudden violence, and Gary sighed deeply. Ash collapsed to the ground, his shoulders shaking with silent sobs. Pikachu ran to his side, nuzzling against him, trying to offer comfort. Ash shut his eyes tightly, the tears flowing freely.
"Hold it together Ash..." Pikachu hugged him, holding him close. Ash's sobs grew louder, his pain palpable. Gary, watching the scene, knew they had to face reality.
"...Ash, we have to face facts... she's most likely..." He sighed, struggling with his own emotions. "We need to figure out what to do now..." Ash's eyes snapped open, a glare of pure fury directed at Gary.
"Shut... up..."
"Ash... it's over..." Gary sighed again, knowing the truth was harsh but necessary. Before he could speak further, however, Ash swung his staff, hitting Gary hard. "Ack!" Gary stumbled back, clutching his side.
"Guys, stop...! This isn't helping...!" Dawn cried, her voice breaking with stress.
"I'm not giving up..." Janine stepped forward, her voice resolute.
"We can't get caught up in our feelings!" Gary tried to keep his composure. "Otherwise, we'll end up dead too!"
"You shut up. Now." Janine's eyes narrowed, her determination unyielding.
"Janine, not you too... we're out of time." Gary looked at her, pleading.
"May wouldn't give up! And neither should we!" Janine retorted, her voice fierce.
"She's dead, Janine!" Gary's face darkened.
"SHUT..." Ash's voice was a low growl.
"UP!" Janine finished, both she and Ash knocking Gary down.
"Ah!" Gary cried as he fell back. Dawn gasped, the tension escalating beyond control. Ash's voice was steely and resolved.
"We're going to find her...!"
"How...?" Dawn's eyes were wide with uncertainty.
"I'm gonna make sure Miss Zappy talks..." Ash's fists clenched tightly. Dawn glanced at Zinnia, still unconscious but showing signs of recovery.
"Her injuries are minor... once she recovers from the fatigue, she should wake up..."
"And she's going to spill everything..." Ash's voice was dark with determination.
"I thought she already had…" Pikachu looked at him, confused.
"Not enough..." Ash muttered, his resolve hardening. Glaceon whimpered, sensing the tension. Pikachu looked over, concern in his eyes.
"Glaceon…" Ash's gaze also landed on May's partner, his voice softened, but his determination didn't waver.
"We're not giving up on her..." he promised her. The group fell into a heavy silence, the weight of their mission pressing down on them. Suddenly, Zinnia groaned as she began to stir, her eyes fluttering open. Dawn noticed immediately.
"Oh!" Ash's eyes, filled with hate, snapped to Zinnia. He marched over and grabbed her shoulders roughly.
"Where...is...she!?"
"What…" Zinnia winced, groaning. "Clair got her...?"
"Yeah..." Dawn nodded, her expression grave.
"Oh great..." Zinnia muttered. Ash, not wasting a second, pinned her to a tree.
"Where did she take May?!"
"Ack! Get off me!" Zinnia struggled against his grip.
"Answer me!" Ash's voice was dangerously low.
"They're probably at Dragonspiral Tower..." Gritting her teeth, Zinnia finally responded.
"But we're... out of time..." Dawn's face fell.
"If Clair got her to Iris in time... I doubt Iris would've actually let her die," Zinnia groaned, trying to sit up straighter. Ash's expression hardened with resolve.
"Then that's where we're headed."
"You can let go of me now." Zinnia glared up at him. Ash roughly let go, and Zinnia stumbled slightly, catching her breath. Dawn sighed, the weight of the situation pressing down on her.
"How did everything get so messed up...? She was fine just before..." Zinnia's eyes softened slightly as she looked at Dawn.
"If what you all told me about Kyurem is true, that's part of your answer," she commented. Ash's voice cut through the air, sharp and impatient.
"What do you mean? Spill!"
"If you'd calm your rage for two seconds, I would." Zinnia took a deep breath, trying to calm herself. "She mentioned one of the other Dragon's names before passing out, didn't she?"
"Zekrom. Why?" Gary interjected.
"Based on what you all told me, the only way I can figure Kyurem was separated was by using Aura Benders like Ash to artificially bend the Dragon Force and create the three of them. Dragon Force flows between Dragons themselves. It has since the very first Dragons were born," Zinnia explained.
"What does that have to do with Zekrom...? Or with May...?" Dawn's brow furrowed.
"I told you that Kyurem's parents were the biggest and strongest of the Kyurem race at the time they created Kyurem. No one knew for sure how they came to be that way, but there were rumors that his parents got the biggest and most efficient power boosts from absorbing the last members of two races of Dragons that were even more ancient. The very first Dragons." Zinnia explained.
"The very first Dragons...?" Dawn repeated, her voice barely a whisper.
"Yes. So if these other two Dragons that came from Kyurem are in fact those same species, and Iris just found some kind of 'Zekrom specific totem,' then it's very likely that Zekrom's deterioration was suddenly accelerated," Zinnia continued.
"May. What about May!?" Ash's voice was desperate and harsh. Zinnia took another deep breath.
"Kyurem, and I imagine the others as well now, have a strong survival instinct. Not to mention hatred for Iris. If they understood what was happening, my guess is that Zekrom funneled all his remaining Dragon Force directly into May's body. A way to safeguard that power and prevent Iris from taking it all." she explained.
"I thought you said she already has Dragon Force energy inside her body..." Gary looked confused.
"She does. As do I and the others who can harness it. But no matter how skilled or powerful our Dragon Force is, we aren't Dragons. We will never be Dragons. Aside from Iris, who literally has Dragon heritage, the human body can only handle so much raw power before it starts to fail. If Zekrom did send the last of his power to May, then what happened was her system literally couldn't handle it and began to tear itself apart trying to do so," Zinnia explained.
"Then how do we solve it!?" Ash's voice was urgent.
"For one thing, assume Iris isn't dumb enough to let her die without questioning her first, meaning she likely stabilized the Dragon Force before May died. That said, the path forward is the same. We have to get May to master the abilities, now more than ever. The power of her abilities has been increased, and if they find the other Dragon's totem then this is going to happen all over again. She has to learn how to gain control. Do that and stop Iris, then it's likely she can give all the power back to the Dragons and return to normal." Zinnia's expression was grim.
"Can you still teach her in this state...?" Dawn's eyes were filled with worry.
"Up to a point, but a far better teacher for this new situation would be our Leader," Zinnia admitted.
"Which leaves us...?" Janine's voice was determined.
"Going to Dragon Spiral Tower. Any large-scale threat prisoners are kept there. Which means the two we need are there." Zinnia nodded.
"How far?" Ash's voice was filled with determination.
"Several miles," Zinnia pointed to the mountain in the distance. "Hidden within that mountain." Without another word, Ash turned in that direction, his resolve unwavering. Pikachu jumped back onto his shoulder, ready for the journey.
"I hope she's okay..." Dawn's voice was filled with hope.
"Guess we'll find out." Gary's tone was more resigned.
"If she isn't..." Ash's voice was low, filled with cold determination. Glaceon, sensing the tension, lowered her ears and followed Ash. Ash stormed off, his mind focused on saving May. Zinnia sighed, recognizing the familiar resolve in his eyes.
"Guess we're on our way, N..." she muttered, following him.
High atop the summit of Dragonspiral Tower, Iris loomed over May's limp form, her father's watching from inside her.
"Is she secured?" he rumbled.
"Quite," Iris smirked.
"Then I think she's had enough time to 'rest.'"
"I couldn't agree more." Iris slapped May's face sharply. May winced, her eyes fluttering open as she groaned in pain, her mind hazy from the ordeal.
"A-Ah...w-what the..." Her eyes widened in panic as she realized she couldn't feel Zekrom's presence. "W-What the...?!"
"There are those pretty blue eyes," Iris said with a cruel smile. May struggled against her bonds, her anger flaring.
"You...! What did you do?! Why can't I hear Zekrom anymore?!" May demanded. Iris raised an eyebrow, her smile widening.
"Oh? Ohoho! That's a mystery solved…"
"That's a name I haven't heard in centuries..." Rayquaza's eyes narrowed.
"WHAT DID YOU DO?!" May's voice rose in desperation. Iris chuckled, her tone mocking.
"'Your' dragons. How many are there?"
"I swear to Arceus when I get my hands on you!" May strained against her restraints, her fury evident. Iris responded by sending a jolt of Thunder Wave through May.
"Ah ah ah," she chided.
"Ack!" May cried out in pain.
"Answer the question," May growled furiously, but she knew she had no choice.
"Three!"
"How unprecedented..." Rayquaza seemed intrigued.
"Not anymore, sweet cheeks," Iris smirked.
"WHAT DID YOU DO?!" May's rage bubbled over.
"Took back what Kyurem stole." Iris's voice turned icy. May's eyes widened as her Dragon Force flared to life with anger.
"You lying piece of-!"
"Father." Iris interrupted. Rayquaza's eyes gleamed with malicious intent.
"You are correct. Her Dragon Force has been greatly increased. He'd only do so with no other choice."
"Just as I thought." Iris nodded. "Would you do the honors?"
"Gladly." Rayquaza summoned his power through Iris's body, sending a shock through May's body. May screamed in agony as Iris placed a hand on her head, her expression cold and calculating. Rayquaza attempted to absorb May's powers, but something was preventing it. "What...?!"
"Ray...qua...za..!" A familiar voice echoed between the two linked girls.
"So you do care for this girl...!" Rayquaza grunted.
"LET GO!" Kyurem's voice boomed.
"Coward... hiding behind a human to protect your power...!" Rayquaza snarled. Kyurem's presence grew stronger as he gave what remaining strength he had to protect May from Rayquaza's power. "Show your face or she will die!"
Far away, in the Kingdom of Hoenn, a roar of rage that echoed throughout the country as Kyurem ascended to the sky and flew off, shaking the ground and its inhabitants violenty.
"What in the world?!" Queen Caroline gasped.
"That can't be good..." King Norman's eyes narrowed in concern.
"Iris, stop. She's more useful to us alive." Rayquaza commanded, sensing the gravity of the situation. Iris released her grip, allowing May to gasp and pant hard, her body wracked with pain.
"Just making sure the message got through, Father." May glared at the Dragon Queen with nothing but hatred and Iris couldn't help but laugh in response as she stroked May's cheek with a mocking tone. "I haven't seen anyone so headstrong as her in ages. Seeing someone like her brought so low is a sight to behold."
"I will stop you...I swear it…" May growled under her breath.
"We have work to do." Rayquaza reminded her, far less amused with the taunting than his daughter was.
"Agreed. We need to find Reshiram's totem." Iris nodded. "I'll have Lance on it right away,"
"Without her power, they'll be too weak to resist by the time he gets here..." Rayquaza smirked. "In the meantime, what do you intend to do with her?"
"Well, seeing as our Princess here didn't come alone, I suspect we'll have to put up with some poorly conceived rescue attempt soon. I think I'll prepare for her husband's arrival." Iris's smile was cold and calculated.
"That's my girl." Rayquaza chuckled.
"I learned from the best, Daddy." Iris smiled proudly. Rayquaza's laughter echoed through her mind. As Iris walked off, heading down to a hidden nest, May watched her go, panting and filled with a burning resolve.
Iris found Haxorus resting in a shadowed alcove of the tower. His red eyes glowed as he lifted his head, sensing her approach.
"Haxorus?" Iris called. Haxorus responded immediately, standing to his full height. "I have a job for you. I want you to guard our 'guest' with your life. Under no circumstances let anyone touch her."
"Yes, my Queen." Haxorus nodded, his resolve unwavering. Iris smiled and hugged his neck.
"I knew I could count on you." Haxorus nuzzled against her affectionately. Iris added with a whisper, "Make sure she doesn't die on us."
"She will not." Haxorus nodded again. Iris kissed his forehead softly, and Haxorus smiled. Rayquaza's chuckle echoed through her mind.
"You have your mother's taste in males."
"FATHER!" Iris's cheeks flushed. "It's not like that!"
"Of course it isn't..." Rayquaza's laughter deepened. Iris groaned in exasperation and Haxorus tilted his head, confused by the exchange.
"Was there something else, My Queen?"
"No." Iris shook her head. "Forgive me. Just my father mocking me."
"I see. Then I'll report to my post."
"Defend her as though she were your mate, Haxorus. She's the key to everything." Iris nodded, her tone serious again.
"It will be done." Iris nodded and stepped away, watching as Haxorus headed up to the summit. Satisfied with his dedication, she turned and walked off, her mind already plotting their next move.
To be Continued...